PUPILS from the New Inn Primary School rugby team went on an educational visit on Wednesday with Melin Homes to Rodney Parade, home of the Newport Gwent Dragons.

The children were given a tour of the ground, met and chatted to the players and took part in a training session with Dragons community manager Mike Sage.

Melin Homes took the children on the trip as a thank you for naming their new housing development, Maes y Dderwen, at the Walk in New Inn.

The children went behind-the-scenes at the ground and education officer Phil James led them on a guided tour through the stands, changing rooms and training areas, as well as the new hospitality suite. The pupils had fun trying on the kit and hearing about pre-match preparations.

After their tour, the pupils learned some key training skills in an exercise session followed by a hard-earned lunch and a chance to interview some of the Dragons about life as a professional rugby player.

They were also presented with a Dragons magazine signed by the players and a team poster.